SIMON BENJAMIN MAY  (1991-2024)

Old Fullerian
Student at Watford Grammar School for Boys 2002 - 2009

Obituary kindly shared by Elizabeth May

Obituary notice

We are devastated to announce the death of our son, Simon Benjamin May. He died unexpectedly at the end of November 2024 from a rare and serious heart disease called Infective Endocarditis. 

Simon was born in Watford. He attended Nascot Wood Infant and Junior Schools, and then moved on to Watford Boys from 2002 to 2009 where he did well in his studies and made some lasting friendships.

His close group of friends from that time wrote this tribute which was read at his funeral: 

“We all became friends at Watford Grammar School for Boys and that friendship lasted 20 years. Simon was an important member of the group as he had a natural ability to make people laugh, not just with jokes, but with a cleverness and charm that would brighten any room. People loved having him at gatherings because they knew he’d bring joy and ease to the atmosphere. His humour was always uplifting, sharp and occasionally unintentional. Like the time he forgot to attend his own birthday party. 

But Simon was much more than his humour. He was deeply intelligent, with a mind that sought philosophy and big ideas. Stoicism was a philosophy he embodied. When life threw challenges his way, Simon approached them with a calm resilience often inspiring those around him. 

One of Simon’s most remarkable traits was his quiet kindness. He never sought recognition or applause for the good he did. Many of us were surprised to learn just how many people he’d helped over the years upon his passing—checking in on friends during tough times, offering support in ways that often went unnoticed. Simon’s kindness wasn’t performative; it was genuine and deeply felt. 

Simon was the glue that held our group of friends together. Growing up in Watford, our circle was close but not without its fair share of disagreements. Such as whose turn it was to pick up empty beer cans. Simon was the one who always stepped in to mend fences, the first to forgive without hesitation, the one who reminded us what really mattered. His generosity and forgiveness was a gift he gave freely. 

For two decades, Simon was our best friend. He made life richer, funnier, and more meaningful. Today, as we remember him, we know his legacy will live on in the laughter, wisdom, and kindness he shared so freely with all of us. Rest easy, Simon. You were our best friend.” 

By Al, Chris, Kieran and Michael 
 

After leaving Watford Boys, Simon read Physics at Southampton University, graduating in 2013, and then he worked for a Rickmansworth company which provided training for drone operators. Later in his twenties he landed a job as a data analyst at Skanska, where he was well respected by his colleagues, who described him as being one of the most pleasant people they had worked with, someone with great charisma and intelligence, with a flair for problem solving and for presenting complex issues in a way all could understand.

During his twenties, Simon continued to live quietly in the family home, carefully saving for the deposit on his own property. He was thrilled to move into his own flat in Nash Mills in 2022 and the future seemed bright. Tragically he only enjoyed two and half years in his own home before passing away.

As a young child, Simon was always smiling, and even at young age, he could make people laugh with some of the pithy comments he came out with. As an adult Simon was kind, gentle, clever, witty, thoughtful, sensitive, tall, dark and handsome. He enjoyed his own company, but had no problems chatting to complete strangers and always had loads of interesting things to say. He was a keen computer gamer and at one point regularly live streamed to an appreciative audience online. He played the electric guitar well, but mostly for himself. In short, Simon was a delightful human being, so very well liked by so many people, and the perfect son, brother, nephew, grandson and friend.

We, his family, are so proud of our wonderful, beautiful boy and what he achieved. Amidst the grief, we try to dwell on the positives, remembering an abundance of joy, love and laughter over more than 33 years. It was an absolute privilege to have had Simon in our lives.

A tribute page for Simon has been set up online, where you can view photographs of his life and also make a donation to the British Heart Foundation in his memory. https://simon-may1.muchloved.com/